Democrats’ Reactions to Trump’s Plans, Attorney General Nominee Pam Bondi’s Possible Role in Pardoning the January 6th Defendants, and a New CBSNews/YouGov Poll that Shows a Majority of Americans Approve of the Trump Transition So Far
Nov 26, 2024
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Laura Forcum, President of the Independent Center and expert on independent voters, joins the discussion to delve into the political landscape. She highlights how independent voters are gaining influence, especially among younger generations disenchanted with traditional parties. The group also examines the implications of recent polls showing public support for Trump's transition, the local resistance to immigration laws, and the complexities of pardoning January 6th defendants. Forcum shares tips for navigating political discussions during Thanksgiving dinners, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.
Polling shows 59% of Americans approve of Trump's transition, indicating a surprising breadth of acceptance among independent and moderate voters.
Democrats are facing internal challenges, with only 44% motivated to oppose Trump, highlighting concerns over their future electoral strategies.
Deep dives
Trump's Transition Approval Ratings
Recent polls indicate that a significant portion of Americans, approximately 59%, approve of Donald Trump's handling of his transition to presidency, which seems to suggest he is enjoying a political honeymoon period. This approval rating is somewhat remarkable, especially given that he garnered less than 51% of the popular vote. Analysts suggest that the positive perception of Trump's cabinet appointments, particularly his inclusion of women, may contribute to this favorable opinion among independent and some moderate voters. Despite initial skepticism, it appears that these voters are willing to give Trump a chance, reflecting a broader acceptance of the electoral outcome.
Democrats' Mixed Reactions Post-Election
The reaction among Democrats regarding Trump's election seems to be less extreme than anticipated, with only 44% feeling motivated to oppose him. In contrast, a surprising 10% reported being motivated to support him, indicating a potential shift among some party members. There is growing acknowledgment within the Democratic ranks that a master plan to return to power is absent, leading to concerns about future strategies amidst the party's electoral challenges. Additionally, some polls suggest that key figures from the establishment, like Marco Rubio, are viewed positively, contrary to the narrative often portrayed by the media.
Gavin Newsom's Policy Challenges
California Governor Gavin Newsom's approach to recent legislative issues has raised eyebrows, particularly his suggestion of raising gas prices while simultaneously addressing voters' concerns about economic hardship. Critics argue that such a tax increase disproportionately affects the working class, as higher fuel costs significantly impact low-income individuals who rely on older vehicles. Moreover, Newsom's reluctance to directly address his party's policies as responsible for electoral losses illustrates a resistance to confronting the realities of voter dissatisfaction. This disconnect between proposed solutions and public sentiment may hinder the party's recovery and future electoral viability.
Navigating Political Conversations
Guidance on discussing politics during family gatherings emphasizes the importance of fostering understanding over conflict. Engaging in conversations centered around policy issues rather than personal attacks can lead to more fruitful discussions and reduce tensions. Individuals are encouraged to listen and ask open-ended questions to understand the perspectives of others, which may reveal shared values and concerns. Ultimately, maintaining social connections is deemed more valuable than attempting to change others' minds, which can often backfire and lead to further division.
Andrew, Carl, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss a new CBSNews/YouGov poll that shows a majority of Americans approve of the Trump transition so far, and examine Democrats’ reaction to Trump’s plans including Mayor Mike Johnston of Denver who promises to resist the deportation of illegal immigrants from his city. They also talk about Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi’s possible role in pardoning the January 6th defendants, and a recent New York Times article on how older Americans react when their children decide not to procreate due to fear of global warming. Plus, Phil Wegmann discusses his article to be published Tuesday in RCP on how the GOP changed its strategy to get voters to the polls in 2024. And finally, Independent Center president and consumer psychologist Lura Forcum provides Andrew Walworth with tips on how to discuss politics over Thanksgiving, and talks about the role of independent voters in the 2024 election and beyond.
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